Ukraine Anticipates Arms Supplies From West

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to Visit Kiev on Thursday

As heavy shelling continues to batter Ukraine, the country's government sees U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s arrival on Thursday as a signal that the West may be ready to aid Ukraine with lethal arms. Photo: AP

KIEV, Ukraine—Ukraine’s president suggested the West is close to sending arms to Kiev to help fight off pro-Russia rebels after previous appeals for weapons were rebuffed, as the capital prepares for a visit by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerryaimed at finding a solution to the conflict in the east.

President Petro Poroshenko made an impassioned appeal for weapons in a speech before Congress in September, though the U.S. offered only nonlethal assistance.